Eric Clapton joins the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Mercedez-Benz to bring attention to the need for more arts and music education programs

Eric Clapton has been named the new ambassador for the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts and Music Education Initiative (EIF's NAMEI), and they join with Mercedes-Benz USA in a charitable campaign. The campaign in support of EIF's NAMEI, called Mercedes-Benz Drive Your Future Performance Awards, was created to inspire students to pursue their dreams, while providing more access to music and arts education programs. This spring, the critically acclaimed musician will appear in a public service announcement in support of EIF's NAMEI and the campaign.

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Grammy Jam

The second annual GRAMMY Jam took place on December 10, 2005, where the The Recording Academy, in conjunction with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and title sponsor Mercedes-Benz USA, celebrated the distinguished career and music of Stevie Wonder. GRAMMY Jam featured artists and musicians performing a set of hits from Stevie Wonder's catalog in a jam-style setting, which included a finale featuring the distinguished man himself.

Proceeds from GRAMMY Jam will benefit EIF's National Arts and Music Education Initiative beneficiaries including the following nonprofit organizations: The GRAMMY Foundation®, InnerSpark/California State Summer School for the Arts, For The Arts, Inner-City Arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Press release for October 25, 2004 - Johnny Depp has signed on to help Montblanc and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) as they continue to focus on the neglected resources of children's arts education curriculums and why it is essential to overturn this trend. The award winning actor will be featured in the running public service campaign called "Time is Precious: Use It Wisely".

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	Julianne Moore	•	Johnny Depp

It is statistically proven that arts education engages students in learning, gives them a sense of identity and self-direction, and equips them with the skills and attitudes that are the keys to success. For a young child, the arts are the first and essential pathway to literacy and learning. Ironically, public resources have been steadily declining for arts education.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts and Music Education Initiative was launched with the support of the entire entertainment industry to help reverse this trend and further the arts for children and young people.

Our national public service campaign, titled "Art Inspires," raises awareness among parents and educators about the benefits of arts education and what they can do to make arts programs more readily available for kids.

In addition to our public awareness outreach, funds raised support exemplary arts education programs throughout the country to assure the continuation of their work.